Enlisted Sailors’ clothing replacement allowances will increase beginning Oct. 1, 2017, and continue to expand in fiscal years 2018 and 2019. This increase is expected to offset the cost of the New Navy Type III Uniform

By law, commissioned officers are entitled to a one-time uniform stipend ($400) paid at the beginning of their careers.

]]>NWU Type III Wear Rules and Distribution Plan Announcedhttps://www.new-navy-uniform.com/2017/09/05/nwu-type-iii-wear-rules-and-distribution-plan-announced/
Tue, 05 Sep 2017 13:59:37 +0000https://www.new-navy-uniform.com/?p=187WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy announced Thursday in NAVADMIN 214/17 the wear rules and Fleet distribution plan for the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III along with a list of approved boots Sailors can wear with the uniform.

Additionally, the Navy also announced that 350 Sailors assigned to afloat units and shore installations are taking part in a three-month boot wear test to identify a replacement for the current NWU boot that is issued to Sailors. The completion of the boot study is expected by the end of this year.

The 24-month Fleet fielding plan for the NWU Type III begins Oct. 1, 2017, and ends Sept. 30, 2019. However, the uniform is now available for purchase in Navy Exchange Uniform Centers at Newport, Rhode Island; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and at Navy installations in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

Enlisted Sailors’ clothing replacement allowances will increase beginning Oct. 1, 2017, and continue to expand in fiscal years 2018 and 2019. By law, commissioned officers are entitled to a one-time uniform stipend ($400) paid at the beginning of their careers.

Last year, the Navy announced the transition to the NWU Type III from the NWU Type I as the Navy’s primary working uniform. Sailors can wear either the NWU Type I or NWU Type III until Sept. 30, 2019, at the discretion of the unit commander or commanding officer (CO). The NWU Type III becomes the Navy’s primary shore working uniform Oct. 1, 2019.

The NWU Type III is intended for wear ashore, in port and in environments that do not require special clothing (e.g., at sea, forward deployed during combat operations, areas requiring flame resistant uniforms) and when authorized as the uniform of the day. The NWU Type III may also be worn at sea for special events at the discretion of the CO.

For complete information on wear rules and rollout plan see NAVADMIN 214/17 at www.npc.navy.mil.

]]>Desert Tan Boots Now Authorizedhttps://www.new-navy-uniform.com/2017/02/17/desert-tan-boots-now-authorized/
Fri, 17 Feb 2017 13:31:06 +0000https://www.new-navy-uniform.com/?p=175BLUF: As per NAVADMIN 015/17 and at the discretion of the commanding officer sailors may now wear the desert tan boots or coyote brown boots with their type III uniform.

6. Safety Boots. As directed by reference (c), black leather safety boots (steel toed) are the standard boots worn with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III uniform for CONUS and U.S. territories. Authorized black safety boots include the 9-inch black smooth leather NWU boot, the 9-inch black rough-side-out leather NWU boot and the 8-inch flight deck safety boot. Black leather safety boots (steel toed) are sea-bag-required items and are required afloat and ashore in environments mandating safety shoe wear. Authorized exceptions for wearing black safety boots with the NWU Type III are as follows:
a. Brown safety boots when issued as organizational clothing for wear in environments such as flight duty, construction battalion duties or similar requirements.
b. Navy certified desert tan or coyote brown rough-side-out leather non-safety boots in environments not requiring safety boot wear may be worn optionally at the discretion of the commanding officer. Optional boots not required as organizational clothing will be procured at the expense of the Sailor and not the authorizing command.

]]>Female Dress Cover Deadline Changehttps://www.new-navy-uniform.com/2017/02/17/female-dress-cover-deadline-change/
Fri, 17 Feb 2017 13:26:59 +0000https://www.new-navy-uniform.com/?p=173BLUF: As per NAVADMIN 015/17 the deadline for mandatory wear of the female combo cover has now been extended to 31 October 2018.

Female Dress Covers. The deadline for mandatory wear of the alternate and unisex Combination Covers for female officers and chief petty officers (CPO) as directed by reference (b) is extended from 31 October 2016 to 31 October 2018. The enlisted White Hat remains mandatory for wear with jumper style uniforms only. The enlisted E1-E6 female combination cover is required for wear with the four button coat SDB uniform until 31 December 2019. Female Sailors E1-E6 may optionally wear the enlisted White Hat or female Combination Cover with maternity uniforms until 31 December 2019 to coincide with the termination wear date of the female E1-E6 four button SDB uniform.

Female officer/CPO female combination covers are no longer available for purchase at the NEX Uniform Centers. Female E1-E6 Combination Cover availability is very limited through the NEX Uniform Call Center at 1-800-368-4088.

2. NSF Identification Badges. Effective immediately, reference (a) is revised regarding the eligibility criteria to wear NSF
identification badges and patches as follows:
a. NSF Badge/Patch. All security limited duty officers/chief warrant officers (649X/749X) and masters-at-arms will wear the NSF badge/patch for the duration of their duty within the career path. Personnel who change designators or transition out of the NSF career field will no longer be authorized continuous wear of the NSF badge.
b. Correction Specialist Badge/Patch. Personnel assigned the Navy Enlisted Classifications 2008/9575/9516 and performing Correction Specialist duties will wear the Corrections Specialist badge/patch for the duration of their assignment only.
c. Command Master-At-Arms. Command master-at-arms will now be referred to as chief master-at-arms (CMAA). Personnel assigned permanent change of station to CMAA duties will be authorized to wear the CMAA badge/patch for the duration of their assignment only.

3. Navy Fitness Suit. Due to unforeseen technical production issues, the introduction of the Navy fitness suit as announced in
reference (b) is postponed. Target release date for introduction of the Navy fitness suit at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes is 1 April 2017, with fleet availability for personal purchase at Navy Exchange (NEX) Uniform Centers and Uniform Call Centers to follow. A future NAVADMIN will provide an update on introduction and fleet availability schedules.

4. Female Dress Covers. The deadline for mandatory wear of the alternate and unisex Combination Covers for female officers and chief petty officers (CPO) as directed by reference (b) is extended from 31 October 2016 to 31 October 2018. The enlisted White Hat remains mandatory for wear with jumper style uniforms only. The enlisted E1-E6 female combination cover is required for wear with the four button coat SDB uniform until 31 December 2019. Female Sailors E1-E6 may optionally wear the enlisted White Hat or female Combination Cover with maternity uniforms until 31 December 2019 to coincide with the termination wear date of the female E1-E6 four button SDB uniform. Female officer/CPO female combination covers are no longer available for purchase at the NEX Uniform Centers. Female E1-E6 Combination Cover availability is very limited through the NEX Uniform Call Center at 1-800-368-4088.

5. Female Officer and Chief Petty Officer Service Dress Blue Uniform. Effective immediately and until further notice, optional
wear of male E7 and above SDB trousers is authorized with the female SDB uniform. The manner of wear of male trousers is per current uniform policy.

6. Safety Boots. As directed by reference (c), black leather safety boots (steel toed) are the standard boots worn with the Navy
Working Uniform (NWU) Type III uniform for CONUS and U.S. territories. Authorized black safety boots include the 9-inch black smooth leather NWU boot, the 9-inch black rough-side-out leather NWU boot and the 8-inch flight deck safety boot. Black leather safety boots (steel toed) are sea-bag-required items and are required afloat and ashore in environments mandating safety shoe wear. Authorized exceptions for wearing black safety boots with the NWU Type III are as follows:
a. Brown safety boots when issued as organizational clothing for wear in environments such as flight duty, construction battalion duties or similar requirements.
b. Navy certified desert tan or coyote brown rough-side-out leather non-safety boots in environments not requiring safety boot wear may be worn optionally at the discretion of the commanding officer. Optional boots not required as organizational clothing will be procured at the expense of the Sailor and not the authorizing command.

7. Coyote Brown Command Ball Cap. Reference (d) authorized the optional wear of Coyote Brown Command Ball Caps with the NWU Type II and III uniforms. The manner and occasion for wear of the Coyote Brown Command Ball Cap is consistent with the Blue Command Ball Cap as outlined in reference (e). For officers O5 and above, Navy head gear visor ornamentation shall be gold in color consistent with Navy standards.
8. Cold Weather Parka. The wearing of rank insignia as announced in reference (f) is updated as follows: Until further notice, the display of rank insignia by Sailors E4 through O10 will be via metal rank insignia or NWU Type I slip-on rank insignia centered on the rank tab of the Cold Weather Parka. A black slip-on rank insignia is being developed for replacement of the NWU Type I insignia and will be announced pending availability.

9. New Uniform Availability. The new jumper-style female enlisted SDB began introduction at RTC on 1 October 2016. Fleet availability is expected to commence at fleet concentration areas beginning February 2017. The new female officer and CPO Service Dress White coat is available now for purchase at NEX Uniform Centers and Uniform Call Centers. The NWU Type III is on schedule for introduction at RTC Great Lakes beginning 1 October 2017. Fleet availability via NEX Uniform Centers is tentative for fall 2017. Future NAVADMINs will provide fleet updates on new uniform availability to include the NWU Type III fielding plan.

10. Uniform Regulations Update. The Navy Uniform Matters Office (UMO) is committed to providing quality content and modern depiction of Navy uniform policies and uniform components via its website. The website modernization initiative is underway and serves to enhance rapid dissemination of information regarding uniform policy changes, improved user experience, and to post updates of new uniform features and illustrations. The UMO website update is part of a broader collaborative initiative starting with color illustrations and timely updates of the latest uniform policies. To ensure we are addressing the needs of the Navy fleet input, recommendations and feedback are welcomed and encouraged. Future changes will encompass recommendations based on majority input and fiscal viability. When providing recommendations, please send to Ask The Master Chief via: HTTP://WWW.PUBLIC.NAVY.MIL/BUPERS-NPC/SUPPORT/UNIFORMS/ or umo_cmc(at)navy.mil. All recommendations will be responded to in the order received.

11. Navy uniform policies and update announcements are driven by feedback received from the fleet requesting policy change, update or clarification. The official method of communicating uniform policies to the fleet is promulgated by Navy leadership via a NAVADMIN with follow-on publication in the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (reference (e)). Please direct feedback to Ask The Master Chief via http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/ or umo_cmc(at)navy.mil.
12. Direct questions regarding the contents of this NAVADMIN to the UMO Office via e-mail to Mr. Robert B. Carroll, Head of Navy Uniform Matters at robert.b.carroll(at)navy.mil, LSCS(AW/EXW/SW) Judith P. Nelson-Williams, Deputy Head at judith.nelson(at)navy.mil, or PSC(SW/AW) Manuel A. Guiracocha at manuel.guiracocha(at)navy.mil.

15. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or cancelled. File this NAVADMIN until reference (e) has been updated to reflect the new policy changes.
16. Released by Vice Admiral R. P. Burke, N1.//

The answer to this question is yes. In accordance with U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter Two, Section 1, Article 2101.3c:

“Communication devices (e.g. cell phones, blackberries, pagers, etc.) are authorized for use and wear while in uniform (to include walking) in the manner prescribed below.”

“(a) Communication devices shall be conservative in color and design and shall not distract from the appearance of the uniform.

(b) Only one communication devices is authorized for wear and can only be worn on the belt of working and service uniforms aft of the elbow.

(c) Wearing of communication devices on service dress uniforms is not authorized.

(d) Communication devices will not be visible from the front and worn in such a manner as to impede the normal wear and appearance of the uniform (e.g. sagging, bunching, bulging, protruding, etc.).

(e) Whenever there is a concern for operational security, the authorized use of communication devices shall be at the commanding officer’s discretion.

(f) The use of portable communication devices shall not interfere with the rendering of military courtesies and honors nor violate local, state and federal laws.

(g) When not being worn on the uniform and in use, communication devices will be placed at the side of the leg and in appropriate hand when rendering salutes, greetings and other military courtesies/honors.

(h) The use of an earpiece, blue tooth technology, headsets or hands-free device while in uniform indoors or outdoors is prohibited unless specifically authorized for the execution of official duties (e.g. NSW, security personnel, detailers, etc.).

(i) The use of blue tooth technology, headsets and other hands-free devices are only allowed in uniform in a vehicle when authorized by local, state and federal law. Regional commanders may further restrict on base use of hands-free devices.”

2. NSF Identification Badges. Effective immediately, reference (a) is revised regarding the eligibility criteria to wear NSF identification badges and patches as follows:
a. NSF Badge/Patch. All security limited duty officers/chief warrant officers (649X/749X) and masters-at-arms will wear the NSF badge/patch for the duration of their duty within the career path. Personnel who change designators or transition out of the NSF career field will no longer be authorized continuous wear of the NSF badge.
b. Correction Specialist Badge/Patch. Personnel assigned the Navy Enlisted Classifications 2008/9575/9516 and performing Correction Specialist duties will wear the Corrections Specialist badge/patch for the duration of their assignment only.
c. Command Master-At-Arms. Command master-at-arms will now be referred to as chief master-at-arms (CMAA). Personnel assigned permanent change of station to CMAA duties will be authorized to wear the CMAA badge/patch for the duration of their assignment only.

3. Navy Fitness Suit. Due to unforeseen technical production issues, the introduction of the Navy fitness suit as announced in reference (b) is postponed. Target release date for introduction of the Navy fitness suit at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes is 1 April 2017, with fleet availability for personal purchase at Navy Exchange (NEX) Uniform Centers and Uniform Call Centers to follow. A future NAVADMIN will provide an update on introduction and fleet availability schedules.

4. Female Dress Covers. The deadline for mandatory wear of the alternate and unisex Combination Covers for female officers and chief petty officers (CPO) as directed by reference (b) is extended from 31 October 2016 to 31 October 2018. The enlisted White Hat remains mandatory for wear with jumper style uniforms only. The enlisted E1-E6 female combination cover is required for wear with the four button coat SDB uniform until 31 December 2019. Female Sailors E1-E6 may optionally wear the enlisted White Hat or female Combination Cover with maternity uniforms until 31 December 2019 to coincide with the termination wear date of the female E1-E6 four button SDB uniform. Female officer/CPO female combination covers are no longer available for purchase at the NEX Uniform Centers. Female E1-E6 Combination Cover availability is very limited through the NEX Uniform Call Center at 1-800-368-4088.

5. Female Officer and Chief Petty Officer Service Dress Blue Uniform. Effective immediately and until further notice, optional wear of male E7 and above SDB trousers is authorized with the female SDB uniform. The manner of wear of male trousers is per current uniform policy.

6. Safety Boots. As directed by reference (c), black leather safety boots (steel toed) are the standard boots worn with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III uniform for CONUS and U.S. territories. Authorized black safety boots include the 9-inch black smooth leather NWU boot, the 9-inch black rough-side-out leather NWU boot and the 8-inch flight deck safety boot. Black leather safety boots (steel toed) are sea-bag-required items and are required afloat and ashore in environments mandating safety shoe wear. Authorized exceptions for wearing black safety boots with the NWU Type III are as follows:
a. Brown safety boots when issued as organizational clothing for wear in environments such as flight duty, construction battalion duties or similar requirements.
b. Navy certified desert tan or coyote brown rough-side-out leather non-safety boots in environments not requiring safety boot wear may be worn optionally at the discretion of the commanding officer. Optional boots not required as organizational clothing will be procured at the expense of the Sailor and not the authorizing command.

8. Cold Weather Parka. The wearing of rank insignia as announced in reference (f) is updated as follows: Until further notice, the display of rank insignia by Sailors E4 through O10 will be via metal rank insignia or NWU Type I slip-on rank insignia centered on the rank tab of the Cold Weather Parka. A black slip-on rank insignia is being developed for replacement of the NWU Type I insignia and will be announced pending availability.

9. New Uniform Availability. The new jumper-style female enlisted SDB began introduction at RTC on 1 October 2016. Fleet availability is expected to commence at fleet concentration areas beginning February 2017. The new female officer and CPO Service Dress White coat is available now for purchase at NEX Uniform Centers and Uniform Call Centers. The NWU Type III is on schedule for introduction at RTC Great Lakes beginning 1 October 2017. Fleet availability via NEX Uniform Centers is tentative for fall 2017. Future NAVADMINs will provide fleet updates on new uniform availability to include the NWU Type III fielding plan.

10. Uniform Regulations Update. The Navy Uniform Matters Office (UMO) is committed to providing quality content and modern depiction of Navy uniform policies and uniform components via its website. The website modernization initiative is underway and serves to enhance rapid dissemination of information regarding uniform policy changes, improved user experience, and to post updates of new uniform features and illustrations. The UMO website update is part of a broader collaborative initiative starting with color illustrations and timely updates of the latest uniform policies. To ensure we are addressing the needs of the Navy fleet input, recommendations and feedback are welcomed and encouraged. Future changes will encompass recommendations based on majority input and fiscal viability. When providing recommendations, please send to Ask The Master Chief via: HTTP://WWW.PUBLIC.NAVY.MIL/BUPERS-NPC/SUPPORT/UNIFORMS/ or umo_cmc(at)navy.mil. All recommendations will be responded to in the order received.

11. Navy uniform policies and update announcements are driven by feedback received from the fleet requesting policy change, update or clarification. The official method of communicating uniform policies to the fleet is promulgated by Navy leadership via a NAVADMIN with follow-on publication in the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (reference (e)). Please direct feedback to Ask The Master Chief via http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/ or umo_cmc(at)navy.mil.

12. Direct questions regarding the contents of this NAVADMIN to the UMO Office via e-mail to Mr. Robert B. Carroll, Head of Navy Uniform Matters at robert.b.carroll(at)navy.mil, LSCS(AW/EXW/SW) Judith P. Nelson-Williams, Deputy Head at judith.nelson(at)navy.mil, or PSC(SW/AW) Manuel A. Guiracocha at manuel.guiracocha(at)navy.mil.

15. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or cancelled. File this NAVADMIN until reference (e) has been updated to reflect the new policy changes.

16. Released by Vice Admiral R. P. Burke, N1.//

]]>NWU Restricted Wear Areas for DChttps://www.new-navy-uniform.com/2017/01/26/nwu-restricted-wear-areas-for-dc/
Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:46:28 +0000https://www.new-navy-uniform.com/?p=147While the NWU can be worn in most areas in Washington DC, there are a few places where it is restricted. While in those areas one must wear their service uniform.

ALNAV 057/10 dated 192031Z AUG 10
– Unofficial Internet Posts provides guidance to all Navy personnel regarding unofficial posts on the internet, including those pertaining to DON -related content and discussions. It also provides guidance about the best practices for use of internet-based capabilities in a personal capacity. Specifically, paragraph 3 and 3.C. provide intent and general guidance on appropriate unofficial internet posts. The following comes from the Navy Command Social Media Handbook that command PAOs should have a copy of:

“When it comes to your position as command leadership, your conduct online should be no different than conduct in the rest of your life and you should hold that same standard to your Sailors and personnel. If evidence of a violation of command policy, UCMJ, or civil law by one of your Sailors comes to your attention from social me dia then you can act on it just as if it was witnessed in any other public location. This adds an ethical wrinkle to friending or following your subordinates, but the key is for you to maintain the same relationship with them at work as you do online and to be clear about that.”

“Communicate expectations about online interactions with your Sailors and personnel. The Navy encourages Sailors to serve as ambassadors to online communities. The Navy asks Sailors to live Navy Core Values online.”

Social Media and Cross
-Dressing Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Q: Is it authorized for a service member to be actively cross dressing in public?
A: It depends. A member could not depart the ship in cross-dress nor could they attend military functions in cross-dress. But, a member could theoretically walk around town (INCONUS) with no Navy/military affiliation apparent. OCONUS would not be authorized as you are a representative of the United States and U.S. Navy in a foreign country in an official capacity even while on liberty.

2. Q: Is it authorized for service members to utilize social media outlets to post pictures of themselves in drag (cross dress) and utilize tags that reference the US Navy? IE: HashTags for Twitter, ect.
A: No.

3. Q: Is it authorized for service members to post pictures NOT in drag (cross dress) and reference hash tags for homosexuality and the US Navy as one on social media’s such as Twitter?
A: This one is harder and I am not sure that you have given us enough information to answer thoroughly. While we support all of our Sailors no matter their sexual orientation, we do expect everyone to conduct themselves professionally on and offline. To answer your question, it really depends upon what the hashtag is and how he or she is contributing to that conversation. Professionally and educating the rest of those in that conversation about the Navy would be something we can support.
4. Q: Is it authorized for service members to utilize social media outlets to post combined pictures (collage apps) while in drag (cross dress) and then a picture of the service member in uniform? Not in drag while in uniform, just two pictures to make one?
A: No. Service members are restricted from cross dressing when their service affiliation is apparent. A social media site where the service member has already affiliated him or herself with the Navy, such photos inherently link the Navy with cross dress ing and would be prohibited. While the Navy encourages Sailors to serve as ambassadors to online communities, we also ask Sailors to live Navy Core Values online. Navy Policy Guidance on Cross-Dressing:
There is no specific Navy policy on cross-dressing, nor does Navy think that one is necessary. The following are some points a command must consider. The Navy has full confidence in leadership’s ability to apply common sense to Navy regulations and make decisions that are in keeping with good order and discipline. There is no statutory prohibition on cross-dressing. Limitations on servicemembers who engage in cross-dressing are contained in Department of Defense (DOD) and Navy regulations regarding enlistment, appointment, separation, discipline (UCMJ),
and uniforms, and dress and appearance. Navy Uniform regulations, Section 1101: General Information, para. 1, states that “The purpose of the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations is to: (1) Provide descriptions of all authorized U.S. navy uniforms and components, and (2) Provide guidance for all Navy activities prescribing uniform wear in order to present a uniform image worldwide. It is issued by direction of the Chief of Naval Operations and carries the force of a General Order. Any procedures or components, regarding uniforms or grooming, not discussed in these regulations are prohibited. Section 7101, para 1 (Civilian Clothing) states that

“Commands are authorized to suspend the wear of civilian clothing for individuals who fail to wear civilian clothing as outlined in this section. Civilian clothes privilege may also be suspended for those whose appearance may bring discredit upon the Navy, or who fail to maintain adequate uniforms or seabag requirements properly. Regional commanders and the senior officers present may suspend the privilege of wearing civilian clothing to meet local conditions.”

Section 7101, para 2 (Casual Civilian Attire) states that “Naval personnel shall ensure that their dress and personal appearance are appropriate for the occasion an d will not discredit the Navy. Current styles and fashions which are conservative and in good taste are authorized.” Looser standards apply to Sailors INCONUS in a pure civilian setting and/or in the privacy of their own home and is governed more by our 1st Amendment rights. If they are attending a command/military function in civilian attire the more conservative dress rules and military regulations apply. Clarifying civilian dress policy and Navy Standards of Conduct for a command function prior to the event is advised. Counseling noncompliant members would be the recommended first step in the case of any violations to conservative civilian attire/good order and discipline. Disciplinary action may be warranted in cases where members flagrantly violate regulations and or continue the behavior after they have been counseled.